A review of the literature is presented on the relation between alcohol abuse, thiamine deficiency and the acute thiamine deficiency-syndromes.

Therefrom a strategy results for thiamine supplementation in alcohol abusers, admitted to hospital, which is transformed into a protocol. Daily practice in Dutch hospitals is established by interviewing a sample of diverse medical practitioners.

It is concluded that, based on the literature, the quality of medical practice concerning the prevention of acute thiamine deficiency-syndromes deserves improvement. The protocol presented may well be of help.